Port-Vendres holiday apartment: Port-Vendres

This is a genuine first class apartment. It is superbly located right on the waterfront, with all the action to view of the coming and goings of private yachts, fishing boats, and, set over on the main port, the occasional international container ship. I understood this was possibly one of the deepest seaports along the coast and, during the second world war, had played host to the Bismark. Port Vendres has several bakeries, a traiteur, 3 little supermarkets, wine cellars, loads of places to eat and a few boutiques. All in all, everything we could need to thoroughly enjoy our stay.

Loved sleeping in the front bedroom with the windows open and listening to the wind in the yachts’ riggings at night. My husband suggested having the windows open was a bit noisy at dawn with the little street washing truck but, what the hell, you’re on holiday and watching the dawn come up over that harbour was one of the highlights. The colours were breathtaking, and you can always go back to bed after and be wakened by the smell of freshly baked croissants from the bakery below.

Cannot fault the apartment. Excellent bed linen and towels. Mattresses were good and firm. Well thought out furniture and accessories. Masses of space and can easily sleep 6. My husband was particularly appreciative of the wifi connection which had excellent links.

Things we did in the area: Just 1 euro to take the bus to Perpignan for a day’s shopping; a drive up into the hills towards Torre del Madeloc gives spectacular views but needs a strong head for heights because the road is very very narrow with sheer drops, visit to charming Banyuls, some lovely local walks, great to be able to buy fresh fish right on the quai.